SEER2
seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 · SEER
SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2) is the federal rating of a central air conditioner's or heat pump's cooling efficiency over a season: heat removed divided by electricity used.
DOE defines the seasonal energy efficiency ratio as the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the cooling season divided by the total electricity the air conditioner uses over the same season. The higher the number, the less electricity it takes to cool the home.
The “2” marks the revised test procedure required from January 1, 2023. DOE notes that SEER2 ratings are similar to the old SEER ratings but not directly comparable; a model’s compliance is judged on its SEER2.
Federal minimums for equipment made from January 1, 2023 are SEER2 13.4 for split-system air conditioners, and 14.3 for split-system heat pumps. Split air conditioners installed in the Southeast and Southwest regions must reach 14.3 below 45,000 Btu/h and 13.8 at or above it. SEER2 is a seasonal average; its companion EER2 describes efficiency at a single hot condition. The heating counterpart for heat pumps is HSPF2.
Sources
Last updated